Description of the flag

The flag of Cook County, Illinois:

The central design, mounted on a white field, shall consist of a cobalt blue, circular band, edged in golden yellow. Mounted on the blue band and arranged in a circle shall be 38 small stars, representing the 30 townships within Cook County outside of the City of Chicago, and the eight townships within Chicago. A 39th star, larger than the others, shall represent Chicago, the county's seat of government, and likewise shall appear on and at the apex of the circular band. All stars shall be five-pointed.

On the white field within the blue band shall appear an outline of the county map, upon which are shown township lines. This map shall be a golden yellow, with border lines and township lines traced in madder carmine. Across the face of the map and extending on each of its sides, but still within the blue band, shall appear a white scroll, delineated in cobalt blue. The scroll shall bear the inscription "JANUARY 1831," designating the month and year in which Cook County was created by the Illinois legislature.

On the white field above the central design shall appear in bold letters the work "COOK," and beneath the design, the word "COUNTY." All lettering on the flag shall be in capitals, colored madder carmine.

The flag shall be displayed, when possible, in such manner that, when unfurled its wording will appear on a horizontal line, or at an angle of not more than 45 degrees. The flag of Cook County shall be treated with respect at all times.

Although the image is obviously from a patch, it is representative of the flag. It certainly looks like the Cook County flag I saw years ago flying in front of the Art Institute of Chicago. The patch may be from the Sheriff's
department uniform or some such.Al Kirsch, 4 September 2002

Image after a flag in the 4 x 6 flag collection of Don Klett.Mason Kaye, 26 November 2003